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At age thirteen a Jewish boy comes of age when he celebrates his Bar Mitzvah, in more modern times girls could achieve the same status at the age of twelve with the celebration of her Bat Mitzvah. At this time they become sons and daughters of the law. Girls of the 1940s and 1950s were welcomed into the religious life of the community in confirmation classes.

Formal religious education began at the age of six or seven with Hebrew School. Until the 1960s classes were held every weekday afternoon and on Sunday mornings. Attendance at services or Junior Congregation was also expected. Many of the students excelled at their studies and eventually became valued leaders in their new congregations after leaving Saint John.

In preparation for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, children meet with the rabbi or other leader to study and learn the day's portion of the Torah. Many young men also had to present a brief speech which demonstrated understanding of what they had read. It was also the occasion for a great celebration in the family. Some families hosted elaborate parties beginning with a meal in the synagogue or in a local hotel with additional gatherings in the family home. Numerous gifts were bestowed, many of them reflections of their new religious responsibility - prayer books, Bibles, and other Jewish books.

Some men of the community celebrated the anniversary of their Bar Mitzvahs by participating in the services on the anniversary of the date. A number of women who would not have had the opportunity in their youth also chose to have Bat Mitzvahs.